Wonderful - completely changed my mood for the day. And, of course, have now got to re-read some Nancy asap. A total antidote for our ridiculously serious times.
Ha ha! Brilliant. I think The Blessing is my favourite of her novels because it seems the truest to her own thoughts… but it is wilfully contrary because obviously the major novels are masterpieces.
Thanks Jessica! I know EXACTLY what you mean about truest to her thoughts. There’s so much in it, I adore it too. As of course did E Waugh so we’re in pretty good company.
Such an intriguing idea - for both the story and the TV show. And I do like James Norton, so perhaps I can be persuaded to watch? As ever, your posts are a joy and a tonic to read, Laura.
Just got around to catching up on some newsletter reading, and this one made me giggle, Laura! Thank you for sharing.
As an aside- I also enjoy the lighter side of TV viewing lately. I was just commenting this morning to my husband that there seems to be so many 'dark' series' on TV now...probably magnificently acted and award-winning...but who really needs that, on a cold & frosty January evening?! We just finished watching The Stranger on Netflix (a Harlan Coben adaptation) which had so many plot holes but kept us intensely entertained for 8 episodes!
This series hasn't arrived here as yet. But I do get your point, it is much preferable to immerse oneself in a non true to life story - if one wanted something else, one might as well follow the news. Fiction is built on fabrication, and parallels to reality can always be drawn, no matter the eccentricity of the story.
That being said, I have a son, and the dilemma is not so unfamiliar. Were I in their shoes, it would be impossible to break the bond with someone you raise, yours or not. Getting to know your actual progeny would be the tricky part. All the talk about maternal instinct is dodgy. Connection grows in time. Nothing happens out of the blue and if anything, feelings multiply, and cannot be withdrawn. Solomon's choice springs to mind!
A perfect little story from Nancy - swapped children? What fun! Who cares? No-one, other than enough to want the prettiest. What a marvel she is.
I didn't watch - too daft even for me, but I did watch the Serial Killer's Wife which was equally daft, as I discovered as it went along. Jack Farthing, who has a face made for a PG Wodehouse young idiot, struggled manfully to be a beastly misogynist (cue lots of rough sex). I think I'm just too old for most TV 'drama'.
I too tried the SK’s Wife which was NOT GOOD (in a different way). Generic TV is hard to get right! I adore Jack Farthing but gave up on him, he was behaving so badly…
I saw the trailer for Playing Nice and decided to pass - too much gurning and emoting. Possibly my loss, but life’s too short. However, I will revisit Nancy Mitford - her incisive wit and air of detached amusement are very refreshing in these miserable days. Thank you for reminding me!
You’re absolutely right Rod - it became my zoning-out relaxation, as some things do, but you haven’t missed much…. A wonderful excuse to quote Nancy, however!
Despite being glued to the screen for a binge of all four episodes at one sitting, I did not "like" the silly drama, nor its seriously good delivery, much as you say. Such frivolity would not be allowed on any proper BBC channel.
But if its only merit were to be a vehicle for the excerpt you have given here from the incomparable Nancy Mitford, it surely deserves plaudits aplenty.
Blushing to disclose we don’t now have a tv. We hadn’t watched anything for 2 years so it went. DH watches YouTube for his mechanical videos re heavy plant, planes and boats. I tend to read. Love NM
It is years since I read The Blessing, which I loved, and it is lovely to be reminded of it. I haven't yet watched Playing Nice, after seeing the reviews, though I do like James Norton, I may miss out on this one!
Didn’t watch the series though in general I enjoy a bit of silliness, and I love Nancy Mitford. For a non-silly and deeply moving take on the swapped babies theme, can I recommend Like Father Like Son, from the great Japanese director Kore-eda?
Wonderful - completely changed my mood for the day. And, of course, have now got to re-read some Nancy asap. A total antidote for our ridiculously serious times.
She so is… Thank you Jennifer - so glad you enjoyed!
Ha ha! Brilliant. I think The Blessing is my favourite of her novels because it seems the truest to her own thoughts… but it is wilfully contrary because obviously the major novels are masterpieces.
Thanks Jessica! I know EXACTLY what you mean about truest to her thoughts. There’s so much in it, I adore it too. As of course did E Waugh so we’re in pretty good company.
Such an intriguing idea - for both the story and the TV show. And I do like James Norton, so perhaps I can be persuaded to watch? As ever, your posts are a joy and a tonic to read, Laura.
Oh thank you Sanjida - and likewise!!!! I did think he was pretty great in it, if you’re in the mood….
A departure if he’s not playing a psycho / sociopath?!
I didn't see the TV show but I do now have a yearning to read some Nancy Mitford. That excerpt is absolutely priceless
Isn’t it just. Always a great idea to read some Nancy, enjoy!!!
Just got around to catching up on some newsletter reading, and this one made me giggle, Laura! Thank you for sharing.
As an aside- I also enjoy the lighter side of TV viewing lately. I was just commenting this morning to my husband that there seems to be so many 'dark' series' on TV now...probably magnificently acted and award-winning...but who really needs that, on a cold & frosty January evening?! We just finished watching The Stranger on Netflix (a Harlan Coben adaptation) which had so many plot holes but kept us intensely entertained for 8 episodes!
Thanks Kate! Lovely to read this.
I wondered about The Stranger… I’m always signing on and off with Netflix but that sounds like a pretty good recommendation…
This series hasn't arrived here as yet. But I do get your point, it is much preferable to immerse oneself in a non true to life story - if one wanted something else, one might as well follow the news. Fiction is built on fabrication, and parallels to reality can always be drawn, no matter the eccentricity of the story.
That being said, I have a son, and the dilemma is not so unfamiliar. Were I in their shoes, it would be impossible to break the bond with someone you raise, yours or not. Getting to know your actual progeny would be the tricky part. All the talk about maternal instinct is dodgy. Connection grows in time. Nothing happens out of the blue and if anything, feelings multiply, and cannot be withdrawn. Solomon's choice springs to mind!
Fascinating. I did actually think those ideas came out in the show, despite its thriller aspect... Thanks Maria for reading!
A perfect little story from Nancy - swapped children? What fun! Who cares? No-one, other than enough to want the prettiest. What a marvel she is.
I didn't watch - too daft even for me, but I did watch the Serial Killer's Wife which was equally daft, as I discovered as it went along. Jack Farthing, who has a face made for a PG Wodehouse young idiot, struggled manfully to be a beastly misogynist (cue lots of rough sex). I think I'm just too old for most TV 'drama'.
She is a marvel indeed.
I too tried the SK’s Wife which was NOT GOOD (in a different way). Generic TV is hard to get right! I adore Jack Farthing but gave up on him, he was behaving so badly…
God, I love Nancy Mitford. I'd forgotten all about that episode in The Blessing. 'They spun a coin for the prettier of the two babies' - wonderful.
I can just see it. PRICELESS!
NM is just so naughty …
Isn’t she lovely!
I saw the trailer for Playing Nice and decided to pass - too much gurning and emoting. Possibly my loss, but life’s too short. However, I will revisit Nancy Mitford - her incisive wit and air of detached amusement are very refreshing in these miserable days. Thank you for reminding me!
You’re absolutely right Rod - it became my zoning-out relaxation, as some things do, but you haven’t missed much…. A wonderful excuse to quote Nancy, however!
Despite being glued to the screen for a binge of all four episodes at one sitting, I did not "like" the silly drama, nor its seriously good delivery, much as you say. Such frivolity would not be allowed on any proper BBC channel.
But if its only merit were to be a vehicle for the excerpt you have given here from the incomparable Nancy Mitford, it surely deserves plaudits aplenty.
(Which is, to say, I loved both!)
Brilliantly put, if I may say so!!! Thank you so much Matthew.
Blushing to disclose we don’t now have a tv. We hadn’t watched anything for 2 years so it went. DH watches YouTube for his mechanical videos re heavy plant, planes and boats. I tend to read. Love NM
Good for you! I do rather love YouTube myself...
It is years since I read The Blessing, which I loved, and it is lovely to be reminded of it. I haven't yet watched Playing Nice, after seeing the reviews, though I do like James Norton, I may miss out on this one!
Thank you Deborah. Yes - such a glorious and wise novel.
(I honestly enjoyed Playing Nice!!!! I thought the reviews were a bit unkind tbh…)
I will give it a go!
It IS silly!!!!
(But then…. Thriller…)
Silly is fine by me. I have been devouring Ted Lasso...
Didn’t watch the series though in general I enjoy a bit of silliness, and I love Nancy Mitford. For a non-silly and deeply moving take on the swapped babies theme, can I recommend Like Father Like Son, from the great Japanese director Kore-eda?
Many thanks Alison - really pleased to have that recommendation. Looks superb. I did become very engrossed with the theme.
Oh! I do love The Blessing! And Don’t tell Alfred!!!! I feel a reread coming on!!!! Thank you!!!!
I’m so glad - enjoy! I too love DTA. Underrated.